Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, Hamza Suhuyini, has urged the government to ensure that the proposed Education Fund for children of the August 6 military helicopter crash victims is managed under the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to avoid political interference.
Suhuyini acknowledged that the creation of the fund, announced by President John Dramani Mahama, is a commendable step but warned against establishing a parallel administrative structure that could lead to inefficiency and partisan manipulation.
He maintained that using an already established and respected institution would promote transparency, accountability, and public trust.
“I am excited about the decision to establish a fund, though I have certain concerns about how we can manage it effectively and not make it a political football”
Hamza Suhuyini, NDC Communication Team Member
He proposed that contributions from the public be channelled through GETFund, allowing the administrator of the trust to manage the education of the affected children, including an education stipend. Suhuyini stressed that this approach would ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
President Mahama announced the establishment of the Education Fund during the third-day funeral rites of Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed on Tuesday, August 12. The fund is set to be officially launched at the state funeral on Friday, August 15.
The initiative follows the fatal military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District, which claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah also lost their lives in the crash. Suhuyini expressed concern about the possibility of public interest waning over time.
“Right now, we are all present because the tragedy is fresh. But a week or two from now, will we still be there to offer the same support? We need a way to stand with these families for the long haul, so they don’t suffer in silence once the crowd is gone”
Hamza Suhuyini, NDC Communication Team Member
NPP Calls for Institutional Support
Echoing Suhuyini’s sentiments, Aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, also called for a deliberate and institutionalised system to provide long-term care for the families of the victims.
He stressed that such support should be insulated from changes in political leadership.
“What is crucial is that the children and the wives should at least be catered for. Even friends can mobilise to do that, but what is important is that they must be intentional. That is always the problem, once it is not intentional, everybody thinks somebody else will do it”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
He recommended that the state in a show of support commit to the education and welfare of all the victims’ children for decades, ensuring they don’t miss out on relevant opportunities.
“It won’t cost much compared to all the expenditures we have in the country. It should be institutionalised whether there is a change of government or not, so we can have the assurance that they have a stable life”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
On Sunday, August 10, Ghanaians gathered to pay their final respects to Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Limuna Muniru Mohammed ahead of the state funeral. The Education Fund will be formally unveiled during the ceremony, with the aim of rallying the nation to provide lasting support to the children of the fallen heroes.
The government’s decision to create the fund has drawn widespread public attention, with stakeholders emphasising the importance of building it into an enduring, apolitical framework.
As the country prepares for the state funeral, the calls for a structured, transparent, and accountable system of support are growing louder.
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